Excitation-Contraction-Coupling

Excitation-Contraction Coupling

To the tune of “State of Grace” by Taylor Swift

[Verse 1]
At the neuromuscular junction
The somatic motor neuron
It will release acetylcholine 
Through the nAchR
Sodium ions will enter
And initiate depolarization

[Chorus]
Excitation-contraction coupling will depend
On cytosolic calcium

[Verse 2]
An action potential
Will spread through the T-tubule
DHPR conformation is altered
Ryanodine receptors
In the membrane of the SR
They will open releasing calcium

[Pre-Chorus]
This will increase
The concentration of
Cytoplasmic 
Calcium ions
Where it can bind troponin

[Chorus]
Excitation-contraction coupling will depend
On cytosolic calcium

[Bridge]
Troponin is bound
By calcium
Which will allow
Movement of tropomyosin
The myosin head
Executes the power stroke
Actin filament
Slides towards the center of the sarcomere

[Chorus]
Excitation-contraction coupling will depend
On cytosolic calcium
Excitation-contraction coupling will depend
On cytosolic calcium

[Outro]
SERCA will pump
Into the SR
Excess calcium
And it will unbind troponin